I might turn out to be a very respectable laird, and become interested in the improvement of my estates." "There is great opportunity for that, I know," replied Helen.

And then she told him of a conversation she had heard between her father and Mr.
Menteith, when the latter had spoken of great changes impending over quiet Cairnforth: how a steamer was to begin plying up and down the loch -- how there were continual applications for land to be feued--and how all these improvements would of necessity require the owner of the soil to take many a step unknown to and undreamed of by his forefathers -- to make roads, reclaim hill and moorland, build new farms, churches, and school-houses.
"In short, as Mr.Menteith said, the world is changing so fast that the present Earl of Cairnforth will have any thing but the easy life of his father and grandfather.
"Did Mr.Menteith say that ?" cried the earl, eagerly.
"He did, indeed; I heard him." "And did he seem to think that I should be able for it ?" "I can not tell," answered truthful Helen.

"He said not a word one way or the other about your being capable of doing the work; he only said the work was to done." "Then I will try and do it." The earl said this quietly enough, but his eyes gleamed and his lips quivered.
Helen laid her hand upon his, much move.

"I said you were brave-- always; still, you must think twice about it, for it will be a very responsible duty--enough, Mr.Menteith told papa, to require a man's whole energies for the next twenty years." "I wonder if I shall live so long.

Well, I am glad, Helen.